Council Workers Talk The Walk

Workers are walking off the job this week because their employer asked them to ‘buy back’ entitlements they already have.

Mackay Council employees gave the thumbs down to a non-union agreement that stripped existing conditions, with 94 percent of employees voting to take industrial action over a new EBA.

The Australian Services Union has slammed the council, saying the industrial action is a "wake up call".

With senior staff currently receiving five weeks leave, Mackay Council is pushing to reduce that to four and make employees 'buy' their extra week by making a salary sacrifice.

In addition the council is trying to reduce penalty rates, increase the spread of hours and 'cash out' any accrued leave for nearly 200 administration officers, supervisors and professional employees at the Mackay City Council.

"Mackay council has a 30 percent turnover because there's better jobs available in the area," says David Earl from the ASU. "They've got to be paying the going rate, that's why they have staff retention problems."

Earl says the deal on offer from the council is an attack on 'family friendly' conditions, and will see workers spending less time with their families.

The Council's non-union agreement was overwhelmingly rejected, leading to the ASU seeking the ballot to take industrial action.

Workers have voted for overtime bans as well as holding a stop work meeting in conjunction with this Wednesday's council meeting.

Given strong wages growth in the region, the ASU says Mackay Council should be improving pay and conditions, not undercutting them.

ASU members are seeking a five per cent annual pay rise and the maintenance of current award and agreement conditions.